Ireland repeatedly stated its view that if Iraq continued in its non-compliance a second Security Council resolution should be adopted. We still believe that this is what should have been done. It is clear that there is no generally accepted view on the validity of the different interpretations and it is unlikely that agreement on this point can be reached. The compelling political reality is that a second resolution would signal the unity and resolve of the international community and the clear legitimacy of any subsequent military action. Ireland would have been prepared to support a resolution of the Security Council to enforce its decisions, had that been agreed. Resolution 1441 did not specify that a further resolution was required to authorise the use of force. This would simply not have been acceptable to either Britain or America, both of which have veto powers on the council. These two countries have long held the view that earlier Security Council resolutions already mandate the use of force and that no further authorisation is required. They are now acting on this belief.